'I'm surprised' - West Ham urged to drop £19m star amid form concerns

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West Ham’s starting XI could be set for big shake up amid poor performance claims

West Ham star Tomas Soucek has been called out for his recent performances, with the ex-Irons striker Frank McAvennie admitting he is ‘surprised’ to still see the 29-year-old in the starting line-up.

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Soucek was on international duty for the Czechia in the recent Nations League fixtures, putting on an apparently dismal performance in their 4-1 defeat to Georgia on Saturday 7 September. He did, however, score a penalty in his side’s subsequent 3-2 win over Ukraine on Tuesday.

The 29-year-old midfielder has started two of the Irons’ opening Premier League fixtures, scoring in their 2-0 win over Crystal Palace on the opening weekend of Premier League action. He has played a pivotal role at the London Stadium since joining from Czech club Slavia Prague back in January 2020, making 211 appearances and scoring 33 goals.

Soucek reacts during Czech Republic's Nations League fixtures, in which his nation lost 4-1 to GeorgiaSoucek reacts during Czech Republic's Nations League fixtures, in which his nation lost 4-1 to Georgia
Soucek reacts during Czech Republic's Nations League fixtures, in which his nation lost 4-1 to Georgia | AFP via Getty Images

However, McAvennie, who spent two stints with the Irons from 1985-87 and again in 1989-1992, now believes the time has come for West Ham’s manager Julen Lopetegui to instead turn to one of his new signings and keep Soucek on the substitutes bench.

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The Irons head coach brought in nine new players this summer transfer window, two of whom are central midfielders with World Cup winner Guido Rodriguez joining on a free transfer from the Spanish side Real Betis and Carlos Soler joining on loan from Paris Saint Germain.

The ex-Celtic and Aston Villa striker added that while he does not deny Soucek’s evident ability, it is surprising he is being started over the aforementioned summer signings.

Speaking to Football Insider, McAvennie said: “They’ve got loads of midfield players. I can’t say that just one will come in, they’ve signed new midfield players and I’m surprised to see Soucek still playing to be honest.

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“Not as in not playing for West Ham, but getting a start ahead of these guys. There is no doubting his ability, he scores goals but he hasn’t been doing it for West Ham.

“The last group of games have been an improvement, he’s been hitting the box and been trying to get the old Soucek back. He was awful in the international break so we will see, there are good players to come in and I’m looking forward to seeing all the new players starting.”

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